FDA says, No Need To Clean Food Packaging During Coronavirus Pandemic

Written By- @pistolwhippedya

After studies claimed the Coronavirus could live on certain surfaces for extended periods, many of us spend time taking extra steps to stay virus-free, including sanitizing our groceries when we get home. As of Thursday, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced we do not need to do so.   

According to the NYPost, in an attempt to quell Americans’ fear of contracting the virus from food packaging, the agency updated its site to announce, “We want to reassure consumers that there is currently no evidence of human or animal food or food packaging being associated with the transmission of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.” Consumers are welcome to keep wiping down their packaging and allowing them to air dry as an extra precaution.

The agency reiterated advice to wear a mask, stay 6ft away from other shoppers, and thoroughly wash your hands before and after putting your groceries away.

The FDA also encourages Americans to purchase enough food to last a week or two. This helps cut down on the risk of exposure as well as the food supply. ‘Buying more than you need can create unnecessary demand and temporary shortages,’ the agency said.

The usual guidelines of food handling and preparation should be maintained during this pandemic. Continue washing lids of canned goods and thoroughly scrub vegetables and fruits before eating. As always, meat, poultry, eggs, seafood, and other perishables should be refrigerated or frozen within two hours to prevent spoilage. The FDA says it is important to clean and sanitize countertops with disinfectants such as Lysol.